Extraction and Characterization of Natural Fibers from Tamban Variety Pineapple Leaves Using a Variable Frequency Drive for Sustainable Biocomposite Reinforcement
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1
Department of Doctoral Program in Environmental Science, Postgraduate Program, University of Lambung Mangkurat, Banjarmasin, 70123, Indonesia
2
Departement of Agro-industrial Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lambung Mangkurat, Jl. A. Yani Km 36, Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, 70714, Indonesia
3
Department of Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lambung Mangkurat, Banjarbaru, 70714, Indonesia
Corresponding author
Hesty Heryani
Departement of Agro-industrial Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lambung Mangkurat, Jl. A. Yani Km 36, Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, 70714, Indonesia
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ABSTRACT
The transition toward a circular economy has encouraged the utilization of natural fibers as alternatives to synthetic fibers. This study aimed to characterize pineapple leaf fibers of the Tamban variety (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) extracted using a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) system at frequencies of 15 Hz (V15), 20 Hz (V20), and Manual Press (MP) for potential use as reinforcement in biocomposites. The testing methods included determination of fiber yield, evaluation of mechanical properties through analysis of variance (ANOVA) using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with IBM SPSS Statistics Version 25, and microstructural characterization using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) on selected fibers. The fiber yield ranged from 2.605% to 3.260%. The RCBD ANOVA indicated that the variation in extraction methods did not have a statistically significant effect (p > 0.05) on the mechanical property parameters. Descriptively, the V15-K2 specimen exhibited the highest observed tensile strength of 85.77 MPa and tensile toughness of 4.842 MJ/m³. XRD analysis of the V15-K2 sample confirmed a Cellulose Iβ crystalline structure at 2θ = 22.4207°, with a crystallinity index of 52.44% and a crystallite size of 8.52 nm. Furthermore, SEM observations revealed a well-organized longitudinal fiber morphology, while EDX analysis detected the major organic elements C and O, along with minor elements including Al, Si, Cl, and Ca. Overall, the use of a controlled extraction system provides comprehensive data supporting the potential of Tamban pineapple leaf fibers as reinforcement materials for sustainable polymer composites.